The Story of the U.S. Constitution: Past and Present

Monday, June 23 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. ET

In Person and Online

Akhil Reed Amar and David Blight of Yale University and Annette Gordon-Reed, president of the Organization of American Historians and Harvard professor, join National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen for an America's Town Hall discussion on the U.S. Constitution. The conversation will cover the debates that have shaped America—from the founding era to today and examine transformative moments in American history and landmark Supreme Court decisions.

This program is presented in partnership with the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy and the Organization of American Historians. Educators who are local to Philadelphia are welcome to join us in person at the Center.

Constitution in the News

Executive Power in the Trump Era

Constitutional scholars Ilya Shapiro, Stephen Vladeck, and Adam White join NCC President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen for a new We the People podcast to debate whether the Trump administration has overreached on executive power, analyze the relationship between the federal courts and the president, and put the present moment in historical context. Listen now

Supreme Court deadlock on religious charter schools not likely the end of the story

“On Thursday, the Justices split 4-4 in Oklahoma Charter School Board v. Drummond, which would have established the first, direct taxpayer-funded religious charter school in the nation. The Oklahoma Supreme Court, agreeing with the state’s attorney general, had ruled that approval of the St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Charter School violated the state constitution, state law, and the First Amendment’s establishment clause...” Read more

Reserve Your 2025-2026 Civic Calendar

Our America 250 commemorative 2025-2026 Civic Calendar will support the classroom instruction of key historical dates, events, and themes that led to the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence. Each month offers free educational resources and discussion questions to engage learners about both its history and its relevance today.

Fill out the request form to ensure you receive a free copy of the 2025-2026 Civic Calendar. Requests will be fulfilled and shipped in September 2025.

You’re Invited: June Events

🗓️ America’s Town Hall: Executive Authority: Presidential Power From America’s Founding to Today

Online | Tuesday, June 3 | Noon ET

Legal scholars Gillian Metzger and Saikrishna Prakash examine the founders’ vision for the presidency, how presidential power has changed over time, and the key constitutional debates that have shaped the modern presidency. The discussion will also explore how the Trump presidency fits within this historical context and what it means for the future of presidential power.

🗓️ Live From the Museum: Heroes of Reconstruction

Online | Tuesday, June 17 | Noon ET

Sign your classes up to explore the Center’s compelling exhibit, Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality, with one of our museum educators. Learn how abolitionists, soldiers, and politicians transformed the Constitution after the war during the Reconstruction period, expanding the meaning of “We, the People.”

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About the National Constitution Center’s Educational Resources 

The National Constitution Center provides K-12 curriculum, professional learning, and student programs that make constitutional education engaging and relevant. Learn more at: constitutioncenter.org/education.

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